King John's Hunting Lodge

The History

King John’s Hunting Lodge dates back to 1210, and is one of a few hunting lodges that King John (of the Magna Carta) had around the country. The Melksham forest was his hunting ground and you can still envisage the huntsmen bringing back the ‘kill’ and drinking mead around an open fire. Over the years it has been extended, bringing a Tudor extension, then more recently (this century) the building which we call the Tearoom and the kitchen to service the business.

As a family we have been custodians of this beautiful building for over 20 yrs, recently refurbished, it now brings to life the sense of King John and his hunting exploits!